CATO - The perception that a few Cato-Meridian school board members privately collaborated to rescind Cato-Meridian High School principal Mike Rizzi's tenure has outraged some in the community.

That anger dominated Monday night's board meeting.

"That is not what a board is about," said Sally Clark, a former board member who has lived in the district since 1964. "All board members should be involved in what is going on."

Rizzi's tenure had been granted earlier this year by the previous school board, following the recommendation of superintendent Deborah Bobo. Since then, three new members had joined the board and a decision was made at the Aug. 29 meeting to revoke Rizzi's tenure. It will go into effect Oct. 25.

The decision will be discussed again at the Oct. 3 school board meeting.

As part of Monday night's agenda, the board was prepared to appoint Charles Mitchell to the position of interim principal, starting Sept. 19. He would work on a day-by-day basis for $350 per day until a final decision was reached concerning Rizzi.

Members of the public also expressed concern with the money necessary to pay an interim principal and Rizzi.

"I'm very concerned that we are going to be paying two individuals," said board member Donald Thompson.

"I will be approving the appointment, however, because I think it will be irresponsible if we don't have proper leadership in the high school."

In other news

- Other issues raised by the public included concern over the authority of the school board in terms of working with a newly hired attorney and the possibility of using volunteer coaches in the overcrowded yet under-coached modified sport programs.

After heated comments by members of the public, the answers to the questions rested with the superintendent.

"Any time we get into volunteers in the schools, they are always an important part," said Bobo, but she said the decision ultimately comes down to the people who are already in the paid positions.

- Following the time for public discussion, the board watched a presentation of the first day of school featuring pictures and newly acquired audio technology.

A lengthy discussion was held concerning various repairs the school district needed, including work on high school ceilings, lighting and bleachers. The decision was approved to work on these projects pending further discussion.

- The school board approved the appointments of two part-time bus drivers, a part-time lifeguard, a new high school secretary, and Jack Pardee as an assistant coach for modified football.